Initiative offering boostto balances

Wishaw savers can boost their bank balance thanks to a scheme from HMRC.

Around 12,000 people in Scotland have signed up to the government’s Help to Save – depositing more than £3.7 million.

Help to Save offers working people on low incomes a 50 per cent bonus, rewarding savers with 50p for every £1 saved.

Over four years, a maximum bonus of £1200 is available on savings of up to £2400.

John Glen, economic secretary to the Treasury, said: “Putting aside some money every month, even if it is only a small amount, can make the world of difference. And with Help to Save, we’ll help you make that money go even further.”

Help to Save is available to working people on tax credits, or Universal Credit with a minimum earned income equivalent to 16 hours per week of the National Living Wage in their last assessment period; to check eligibility, visit www.gov.uk/helptosave

A woman stabbed her on-off boyfriend after she accused him of cheating on her.

Natalie Leach and the man had argued after a marathon drinking session, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Wendy McAdam, prosecuting, said the victim suffered a wound to his arm which needed stitches and caused damage to muscles and nerves.

McAdam added:“He now has little feeling or movement in his hand and requires physiotherapy.

“He also reports that the wound twice became infected and he was in so much pain that he overdosed on co-cocodamol and this resulted in a five-day stay in hospital.”

Leach, 40, admitted stabbing her partner to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement at a flat in Merry Street, Motherwell, on November 7.

Ms McAdam told the court the couple had been seeing each other on and off for six years. At the time of the attack they were“sofa surfing”and it happened in the flat of a friend with whom they’d been drinking all night and into the next day.

The fiscal said:“Leach continually accused the man of cheating on her.

“He tried to leave the flat, but she got a knife from somewhere and struck out.

“The victim raised his left arm to defend himself and the knife ploughed into it, causing blood to pour out.”

Defence agent Ian Scott said all parties had been drinking heavily. After the stabbing, Leach was full of remorse and called an ambulance. She also helped make a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

Sheriff Mhairi Mactaggart deferred sentence until March 27 for a criminal justice social work report.

Leach, who has previous convictions for violence, was remanded in custody.